OEC - Oregon Environmental Council
09/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2025 15:42
Joining Oregon’s Climate Advocates in Washington DC
This month, I joined a Climate Action Campaign advocacy trip to DC-my first time participating in this critical work since the coalition began organizing these efforts 13 years ago. This "big green" coalition has real influence, having helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and brings together advocates from across the country to push for federal climate action.
Together, our mission was clear:
- Fully fund federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in upcoming budget appropriations
- Push back against the Trump Administration's repeal of the Endangerment Finding-the backbone of federal climate regulations since 2009 that requires EPA action on CO2, methane, and other heat-trapping pollutants under the Clean Air Act
OEC joined three other Oregon groups ( Oregon League of Conservation Voters , Sierra Club , and the Environmental Center ) to champion these issues and Oregon environmental justice values. We had productive conversations with lawmakers who truly understand climate impacts, and shared with them quotes from OEC members and staff about why climate impacts matter to them and their communities.
Representative Janelle Bynum shared a powerful story from her own district: when wildfires break out in a rural small town, volunteer firefighters work tirelessly to protect the forest canopy. If they lose the canopy, this has compounding impacts on the local water supply, such as triggering algae blooms that can shut down the entire town's water filtration system. These aren't abstract policy discussions-they're about real communities losing basic services to climate chaos.
The message was unmistakable: state climate policy matters more than ever. In this moment, Oregon's federal leaders look to state government and advocacy groups as partners on clean energy and grid development, building and transportation electrification, and environmental health or water issues. They're eager for more collaboration, resource sharing, and defense of Oregon's environmental justice values.
Most importantly, working in coalition makes all the difference . Multiple voices representing different Oregon constituencies creates lasting impact. Even as we face federal rollbacks, we're stronger together.
The climate crisis won't wait for political convenience. Neither will we.
Support Sustainable Groundwater Management in Oregon!
Effective groundwater quality management is crucial for ensuring clean, reliable water for millions of Oregonians, and countless ecosystems. But as things stand, our state lacks the means to manage it effectively. By making much-needed revisions to the 1989 Groundwater Quality Management Act, SB 1154 will improve the process of identifying and reducing groundwater contamination to keep this vital resource safe. Tell your legislators to support SB 1154, and
June 6, 2025, 2:51 pm
klew
0
ACT! Fund a STRONG Climate Justice Budget for Oregon
Lawmakers are finalizing the state budget for the next two years. Now is the time to speak up for a strong Climate Justice Budget that protects the environment, uplifts communities, lowers energy bills, and creates clean energy jobs across the state. Use the form below to email your state legislators and urge them to invest in proven programs that deliver for Oregonians. **Please Note: We recommend you
May 16, 2025, 12:34 pm
robinr
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Tell Lawmakers to Fund a Transportation Package For ALL Oregonians
Oregon is about to make some big transportation decisions that will affect us for decades. Unfortunately, lawmakers are starting from a framework that falls dramatically short on what we need. We need fair funding, accountability, and more robust investments in safety, transit, and pollution reduction. Tell your legislators that the stakes are too high to settle for less. **Please Note: We recommend
May 15, 2025, 3:05 pm
robinr
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A Climate Solution You Can Live In: Q&A on Building Resilience
Sometimes big-impact solutions to the climate crisis can feel beyond our control - other times they're right within reach, like upgrading our homes and buildings. This Q&A with Brad Reed, Director of Building Resilience , highlights how we can transform our homes and communities into climate-resilient havens. From heat pumps to insulation, Brad explains how basic upgrades can protect our health and our communities, while also saving money on
March 3, 2025, 11:38 am
robinr
0
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OEC - Oregon Environmental Council published this content on September 18, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 18, 2025 at 21:42 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]